A few days ago the ICATME Foundation, of the Quirón Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona, together with the Association of Relatives and People Affected by Growth Disorders (AFAPAC) organized an event in which they brought together traumatologists and patients with growth disorders, mostly children and adolescents, to disseminate the latest advances in the treatment of this type of bone pathology and to promote communication between affected families.
The renowned traumatologist Ignacio Ginebreda, head of the ICATME’s Growth Pathology and External Fixation Unit, opened the event with a presentation of the new mechanical bone elongation systems used to lengthen bones and other extremities (tibias, arms or femurs) in cases of people with bone fractures or deformities. As the doctor pointed out, bones can be lengthened thanks to the great regenerative capacity of bone tissues (only 8 to 10% of fractures do not regenerate properly). Orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists do nothing but take advantage of this bone capacity and use different types of fixation systems to reconstruct the damaged bone.
In particular, Ginebreda insisted on the adoption of the endomedullary and mechanical Fitbone nail, which, placed under the skin and connected to an external mini-antenna, sends magnetic impulses to the bone and produces its lengthening. This system was created by a German firm and Dr. Ginebreda’s team is the only one in Spain qualified to perform this type of implant. After being the first to adopt it, 8 cases of bone elongation between 2.5 and 8 cm have already been successfully completed. This device, according to the traumatologist, leaves minimal scars and is more comfortable for the patient since it does not use traditional external fixators. The doctor’s main challenge is to develop endomedullary nails applicable to bones for small children.
The children of Polseres Vermelles
Among the children with bone degeneration was one of the actors of the successful TV3 series Polseres vermelles, adapted by Albert Espinosa, so several of his fellow cast members came to the contest to surprise the children and adolescents gathered there. It was a festive day in which joy and the struggle of many families united in their eagerness to advance in the treatment of this type of bone pathologies prevailed.